Long-term editing of brain circuits using an engineered electrical synapse (opens in new tab)

Electrical signalling across distinct populations of brain cells underpins cognitive and emotional function. However, approaches that selectively regulate electrical signalling between two cellular components of a mammalian neural circuit remain sparse. Here we engineered an electrical synapse composed of two connexin proteins1 found in Morone americana (white perch fish)—connexin 34.7 and connexin 35—to accomplish mammalian circuit modulation. By exploiting protein mutagenesis, devising a ne...